information technology careers

Administrators of Computer Systems and Networks

By Andrew Michaels 21 March, 2023 3 mins read

There are many career options in network and computer administration. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% rise in employment for network and IT administrators by 2026. While their job descriptions may be similar, there are significant differences between them. These include certification paths and daily responsibilities. This will allow you to make the best career decision. Below is an overview of the differences and career paths for each role.

Job outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (USBLS), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that network and computer system administrators will grow by 20% by 2026. The growing use of cloud services could increase the need for computer system administrators. Network administrators may also be in demand due to the increasing use of mobile devices within businesses. The job outlook for this position looks positive, but the best candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in computer networks and systems administration, computing science or another related field. Network administrators must also have a current knowledge of technology.

Computer systems and networks are constantly changing, and administrators need to stay up-to-date with the latest technological developments. In addition to a bachelor's degree, some employers prefer candidates with specific certifications. For example, Microsoft Certified Systems Analyst and Engineer and Novell Certified Network Administrator are two popular certifications for these positions. CompTIA Network+, Sun Certified Network Administrator, and A+ can be added to these certifications.

Salary

An administrator of Network & Computer systems can earn between $56,222 and $111,613 per annum. The median salary for a network administrator is $68,448 annually, while the median earner is $64,548 to $67,932. The highest earning 83% make more then $111,613. That's an average salary of $64,326 per a Network & Computer systems administrator. For those who are in the middle income bracket, this amount equates to $2680 per paycheck.

In 2014, there were approximately 67,500 network and computer systems administrators employed nationwide. This number is higher than the national average, with California employing the highest number of network administrators at 39,050. Maryland has the highest salary, but the state was least likely to have an administrator job market. The national average salary of a Network System Administrator at $88,410 per annum is the same as that for network administrators in Texas, which is $358,830 per annum.

Education requirements

A bachelor's degree in computer science, information science or another related field is the most common education requirement for network and computer system administrators. Some positions may require professional certification, an associate's degree or certificate. Computer systems administrators are often required to complete manufacturer certification programs as well. Employers often require computer system administrators to have more than a bachelor's in order to be considered for a job.

Computer system and network administrators need to communicate well with others who are not familiar with the intricate details of computer networks. Multitasking is also a requirement. Many tasks can be done simultaneously. Computer system administrators and network engineers must be able troubleshoot quickly and solve any problems that arise from software or hardware. This is why education is so important for the profession's growth and competitiveness.

Chances for advancement

System administrators are in great demand. They are responsible for maintaining company servers and dealing with crashes. They have good salaries and job security. This fast-paced job often provides opportunities for advancement. These are just a few of the many benefits you get from being a system administrator. Let's take a look at the best perks. A career as a network and computer system administrator can be lucrative and satisfying. Consider these reasons to be a system administrator if you are interested in a career as one.

There are no special education requirements for administrators of computer networks or computer systems. The position typically requires a bachelor's level degree. You can also choose to specialize in programming, database administration, cybersecurity, or both. While no specific degree is required, it's helpful to have some computer programming knowledge, and an understanding of cause-and-effect sequences. System administrators must also be able and able to predict customer needs, as well as evaluate system behavior under various conditions.

FAQ

How can I get certified in cyber security?

A certification in cyber security is essential for all IT professionals. CompTIA Security+ (1) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate – Security (22) and Cisco CCNA Security Certification (33) are some of the most widely available courses. All of these courses are recognized by employers and offer a solid foundation. However, there are also many other options available, including Oracle Certified Professional - Java SE 7 Programmer (4), IBM Information Systems Security Foundation (5), and SANS GIAC (6).

You have the freedom to choose, but be sure to know what you are doing.

What are the top IT programs?

The most important thing you need for success in the field of technology is passion. You have to love what you do. You don't have to love what you do, because this industry demands constant hard work and dedication. It requires the ability learn quickly and be flexible to change. This is why schools must prepare students for such changes as these. They must help students think critically and use their creativity. These skills will benefit them when they start working.

Experience is the second most important aspect to learning technology. The majority of people who are interested in a career within tech start their studies right after graduation. However, it takes years of experience to become proficient at everything in this field. Internships, volunteering, part time jobs, and so on are all ways to gain experience.

Finally, practical training can't be beat. This is the best way for you to learn. You can also take classes at community college if you don't have the opportunity to do a full-time internship. Many universities offer free classes as part of their Continuing Ed programs.

What does cybersecurity have in common with other fields?

Cybersecurity is a completely different area of IT than other areas that may have had to deal with similar challenges. Most businesses deal with databases and servers. Perhaps you have even worked on a project that involved website design.

These types of projects are not considered to be cybersecurity-based. And while you could still apply some of the principles used in web development to help you solve problems, it would probably involve more than one person.

It is important to study cybersecurity. This means learning how to analyze a problem and determine whether it is due to a vulnerability or something else entirely. You will also need to understand the basics of encryption and cryptography. It will also require that you have good coding skills.

This area will be required to help you become a cybersecurity specialist. Your main subject should not be forgotten - you still need to put in the work!

It is important to not only be able and able to process complex information but also to learn how to effectively communicate. Strong communication skills are also required, both verbally and written.

Know the best industry practices and standards for your chosen career path. These are essential to ensuring that you are always moving forward rather than falling behind.

Statistics

The global information technology industry was valued at $4.8 trillion in 2020 and is expected to reach $5.2 trillion in 2021 (comptia.org).
The IT occupation with the highest annual median salary is that of computer and information research scientists at $122,840, followed by computer network architects ($112,690), software developers ($107,510), information security analysts ($99,730), and database administrators ($93,750) (bls.gov).
The top five regions contributing to the growth of IT professionals are North America, Western Europe, APJ, MEA, and Central/Eastern Europe (cee.com).
The median annual salary of computer and information technology jobs in the US is $88,240, well above the national average of $39,810 (bls.gov).
The number of IT certifications available on the job market is growing rapidly. According to an analysis conducted by CertifyIT, there were more than 2,000 different IT certifications available in 2017,
The global IoT market is expected to reach a value of USD 1,386.06 billion by 2026 from USD 761.4 billion in 2020 at a CAGR of 10.53% during the period 2021-2026 (globenewswire.com).